Patent GB-552430-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in apparatus for degreasing metal and like non-absorbent articles
IPC: C23G5/04
Filed: 1941-10-03
Abstract: 552,430. Degreasing apparatus. COSWAY, R., and IMPERIAL CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES, Ltd., Oct. 3, 1941, No. 12793. [Class 91] In a degreasing apparatus for non-absorbent articles comprising a lower solvent degreasing section and an upper section adapted to act as a drying compartment with means for introducing articles into either section, the upper section is provided with means for isolating it both from the atmosphere and from the remainder of the apparatus when the articles are therein and a closed hot air circulation system is also provided so that air can be passed in turn through the drying compartment and through a solvent recovery system. In one form of the apparatus suitable for batch operation, the degreasing compartment 5 is provided with a sump 3 for the solvent, condensing coils 4 for delimiting the vapour zone, and guides 10 for a movable platform 9 on which the articles to be degreased are introduced and withdrawn. The platform 9 seals the drying compartment 6 from the section 5 when it is in the position shown for drying the degreased articles. The compartment 6 is provided with insulation 32, an insulating course 33, and with a movable lid 32. Air inlets 35 and corresponding outlets in the lateral walls of the drying chamber communicate with a hot air circulation system containing a blower, an air heater, ducting to and from the compartment 6, a water-cooled condenser, and a condensate trap. The system includes valves inter-connected so that in one position the air circulates repeatedly through the system, and in another position the air is discharged at the exit to the condenser. In a modification of this form of the apparatus, the goods are supported in a basket and a flexible shutter or swinging doors are used to separate the compartments. In a form of the apparatus suitable for continuous operation, the degreasing compartment preferably comprises a liquid solvent degreasing section 5, Fig. 3, and a vapour degreasing section 6, and the upper section of the apparatus constitutes an antechamber 4 thereto for loading and unloading a conveyer 11 to which baskets supporting the goods are attached, a drying compartment 21 being also arranged therein. The conveyer is formed of two chains with spacer bars 12 at intervals to which the baskets are suspended, the arrangement being such that a spacer bar is being loaded through an opening Z, when another spacer bar with its basket is in one of the degreasing sections and another is in the drying compartment. The conveyer is driven intermittently with a period of rest for each loading position. The upper section is isolated from the lower by a partition 20, the sloping lower faces 15 of the drying compartment, and the inside portion 19 of the pivotally mounted closure for the opening 2 when this is in the open or loading position shown. The drying compartment is formed from two box-like members 14. 14 rotatable about hollow axles 16, 16, of which the portions inside the members are perforated. In the position shown the members 14 co-act to enclose a basket of goods after it has left a degreasing compartment and thus form a drying compartment, the axles being connected by conduits to a hot air circulation system constituted as described. When the members 14 are swung aside, the sloping faces 15 project vertically upwards allowing passage of the baskets therethrough. In a modification of this form of the apparatus, the upper section is divided into an antechamber and a drying chamber by a vertically disposed partition extending nearly to the top of the vessel, sufficient space being left for the passage of the baskets between the compartments. A door is arranged in the latter space and also between the drying compartment and the degreasing section both being preferably automatically actuated by the conveyer driving means so as to isolate the drying compartment during the drying operation. Specifications 418,365 and 466,443 are referred to.